Ventana Campground

We just returned from a week living under the Redwood trees. It was both magical and peaceful to listen to rushing water in a creek below us, and the birds flying over head. It was so quite. The camp hosts are amazing, Manuel (our hero) helped us bring our gear to our “hike in” site that was uphill. Once settled it was the perfect spot to be one with nature. The rest rooms are clean and had plenty of hot water for showers. The price is more than a state run campground but for us worth the money. Happy Camping 🏕️

We enjoyed the surroundings, bathrooms were nice n clean, campgrounds were great. It’s a blessing & curse to have wifi Working great but we lived our time here. Showers $2, firewood $14 bundle

This campsite is nestled smack in the middle of a redwood forest canyon and it is just breathtaking. This year the bugs were plenty and got a bit annoying, but still the greenery and beauty was sooo worthed.

Love this campground. Really nice redwood valley with clean bathrooms and showers that are $2 for 5 min.

While a very beautiful campground and clean bathrooms and showers, many of the sites are WAY too close together. And a private road to small homes/cabins faced our site, and residents are driving in/out at all hours of the day and night. At $90/night or whatever we paid, I was disappointed. Avoid camp sites 6, 7, & 8 unless you like other campers 15’ from your picnic table. No joking. (Fortunately we had super cool neighbors and another didn’t show either night we were there). Probably won’t stay there again unless I can visibly see the site I’m getting, which apparently you can’t even do (my wife booked it) and they don’t assign your site number until a few days(?) before arrival.

We stayed alongside the creek and enjoyed dining one night at the local restaurant. Highly recommend this campground

Really beautiful spot. Make sure to note when bathrooms close because some close at 8pm but others are open all night. The ones nearest to the front gate are open all night

I stayed at Ventana Campgrounds as my first attempt at camping. I honestly couldn’t have had a better experience. The camp was easy to get to and check in. The campsite we reserved was clean and spacious. We were kinda tucked away from other campsites. It was very nice. No one was too loud or messy. The bathrooms were very nice and kept clean. Also I was very happy I had service when we were in the camp. Overall would definitely come back here and stay longer next time!

Paid 80 bucks for a tent site that was really small and close to other people. This campsite is packed to the gills. Plenty of kids screaming off in the distance. Not ideal but it’s in a highly sought after area, so it is what it is.

Beautiful! Peaceful! Clean! Campground is surrounded by lush trees and vegetation. Our campsite was right next to a small stream and the kids had so much fun exploring everyday. The bathrooms/showers were cleaned everyday. We went during spring break so there were plenty of families and some college kids but everyone was so respectful of the noise level especially at night! I would definitely stay at this campground again if I’m in the area!

The was our first visit to Ventana Campgrounds and we found it to be very nice. All of the sites are under beautiful big Redwood trees which gave it a magical feel! We found it to be clean, in good repair, and the hosts were very warm and welcoming. We were incredibly fortunate when we camped as all of the National Parks had been closed due to the Dolan fires, and Highway 1 was closed just after the campground turnoff, so there literally was no traffic on the Coastal road which is unheard of! Fortunately for us, Ventana had reopened a few days prior to our reservation and I’d say that 75 percent of the reservations had been canceled so the campground was quiet and quite private which we loved! I imagine when it is filled to capacity the scene could be quite different as campsites are very close. The campsites had a fire pit with a grill but unfortunately fires were prohibited with the fire risks. Water spigots were convenient as were toilets and showers ( pay showers). Recycling and trash receptacles were also conveniently located around camp. Because most sites were empty we were able to scope out all the sites. It should be noted that all sites are tent only sites and some are very small or have very steep elevation changes which could be problematic for larger tents or those with mobility restrictions. Some sites are hike in only and should you choose those you had better pack extremely light as the climbs up were incredibly steep and the task of getting down without falling was a challenge for us being hands free and nimble let alone being older, or carrying a cooler, child, or larger tent. Just be aware! Once you got to the hike in sites they were much more private and quite nice, but I could see that it could bring some challenges. Be sure to pick a site with your tent size in mind as some of the sites literally could only hold a two man tent. It should be noted that while we were there, there was construction of some type going on in one part on the campground and the workers started quite early. We were well away so it was not too bad where we were located but if you were close you would have hammering and sawing as your alarm. Ventana also offers glamping tents which are adorable! If you wanted an easy turn key experience that is the way to go. Those tents have running warm water, a propane fire pit and a grill. Some even had hammocks. They are in a loop that is much more private and spread out than the tent sites. Overall, we had a great experience and would love to return. Crowds are not our thing, so I am not sure we will ever be able to duplicate the lovely quiet experience we had, but we are thankful that we got to experience it that way!

For the cost I expect more space. Ventana (private campground) didn’t have to create such tight spots. You’re basically camping with the people along side of you. And because there are so many close sites, the smoke from the campfires is thick. 

The bathrooms are great.

While I had an amazing time in Big Sur- I wouldn’t stay at this campground again.

Love that littlee bird sanctuary. Would be great for a week day off season!

Absolutely no trailers; our “trailer” is only 5’X8’. Friendly people, but reconsider if you’ve got a small pull-behind.

 Loved our campsite's proximity to an ugly parking lot and the traffic noise of Highway 1, the view from our campsite of two storm drains in the"creek," and the Ventana Inn's Glamper-luxury-vehicle thoroughfare lighting at night!

But the best part! The demeaning, rude behavior of the camp"host." First campsite assigned to us, perched over the highway, was so thunderous we asked to be moved."Host" was not accommodating-- she was disrespectful and too busy to be bothered-- and ended up putting us in the"only other campsite available," even though there were empty sites everywhere, which she said were"reserved."(When you go to reserve on the campground's website, you find you cannot reserve a particular campsite. She informed us that the night before your arrival a computer assigns campsites and she was powerless to change things. Who set this system up?)

I've been California camping since I was two, and that means for 50 years, including countless times in Big Sur State Park. I thought I'd pay the extra money to have a quiet, peaceful, upgraded long weekend with my family. I cannot recall a more miserable ordeal being so appallingly treated by this host, and in front of my son.

Oh, but the bathrooms were clean.

Beautiful sites intertwined with the trees and a creek that runs through the campground. Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29). Some of the campsites would be pretty close together if the whole campground was full, however you can tell they thoughtfully try to disperse guests amongst the sites.The campground is beautiful enough that it could almost make the price worth it, however for $100 & $80 a night tent sites I expect a nearby restroom. Our site was towards the very back of the campground next to glamping and we found ourselves driving to the bathroom because it was a 10 minute walk (lazy I know). Lack of bathrooms seemed to add to more car traffic throughout the grounds as we noticed many others doing the same thing. Nevertheless we had a great time and would consider returning.

Great campground but was not able to pick a campsite before I got there,First come first served. Luckily I was there with my son the first night and was able to pick a great site at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. the big downside is slit of the sites are walk in, you park your car and have to bring your tent, cooler and everything else up a dirt path, for $85 dollars a night? They have showers and bathrooms, but way to far away from each other. Beautiful but not worth the money.

Ventana Campground is nestled among a gorgeous Redwood forest. I stayed at campsite 38 and a small creek went right through my campground and ran off onto a small waterfall. I slept like a log every night listening to the sound of the flowing creek. However, the campground is part of a resort and although the showers and bathrooms were always very clean it was a very costly campsite. The sites are also pretty close together. I stayed for four nights and had only one night of peace and quiet. I think you can probably find much better sites inside the park but Ventana is a nice option for a reservable site and a pretty campground.

Very beautiful. Pricey. Fresh.

This is a private campground and a little pricey compared to public campgrounds, but quite reasonable compared to staying in a hotel in the area. Location is great with nearby hiking or beach going. The bathrooms were clean and slightly nicer than usual, but I’ve been to other private campgrounds with better bathrooms. Most sites are close together, but a few are nicely separated, so pick carefully.

I have always ended up here every time I have visited Big Sur because the public campgrounds in the area are always booked out, but this has to be one of my favorite places that I have ever camped. The setting is 10/10 and is probably one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places I could think of pitching a tent. There is something truly special about sleeping underneath a giant redwood forest, and this grove of trees is nothing short of amazing. 

The camping experience aside, Ventana is by far the most expensive campground I have ever stayed in. This is partly due to the fact that it's owned by the luxury Ventana Resort up the hill, and also simply because it's Big Sur (where camping is pricey even at the public campgrounds.) I get that Big Sur is extremely popular, but there becomes a certain point where the price tag for a simple campsite becomes outrageous. I feel that Ventana is more or less taking advantage of campers in that respect, banking on people who are willing to pay any price just to be able to camp in Big Sur, especially when every other option is booked. 

Bu with the hefty price tag, you get to camp in a beautiful setting that is very well maintained, that has probably the nicest/cleanest camp bathroom I have ever seen. Seriously, the bathrooms are actually pretty nice and they have showers. (Pro tip: Use the bathrooms in the lower loop because they have individual single rooms with showers where you can be alone. The bathrooms in the upper loops have showers in the shared bathroom space.) Firewood and shower tokens can be purchased from the host, and they sometimes drive around in golf carts to your site with wood and tokens so you don't even have to leave your site. I will note one slightly frustrating thing about this campground: while you can reserve ahead of time, you can't choose your site specifically. But what you can do is write a comment in the reservation and request a specific area and that has usually worked for me. Some of the campsites are kind of close together with shared parking, but it has never been issue. 

All in all, I loved camping at Ventana/Big Sur. I just wish I didn't have to spend so much to do so.

This place is beautiful. Has everything you need right in the redwoods. Very expensive

Campsite Review:

Ventana Campground

Ventana Campground is a tent only campground, which I love as I feel like it’s harder and harder to find now a days. They can’t accommodate RV’s, motor homes, travel trailers or pop-up tent trailers. Although we did see a few of the rental company camper vans and trucks with roof tents or small campers on top. This campground isn’t cheap… But for the Big Sur area, I guess it’s “reasonable” as this campground is right in the middle of Pfieffer Big Sur and Julia Pfieffer Burns State Parks. It really is in a great location to explore the coast That being said, I did find it a little disappointing just how close the campsites are to each other here, meaning you’re not going to get anything close to a secluded camping experience. These (like almost all campground now a days) come with a fire ring and picnic table. We were lucky enough to get randomly placed in a spot right next to a wonderful little 2-foot waterfall on the creek that runs through the campground. We lucked out as there was never anyone at the front gate and there was just a list of everyone’s per-assigned campsite. There were some other campsites which were right on top of each other and you had to basically walk through someone else’s area to get to “your” table and fire ring.

It was nice that there was both recycling/trash and potable water stations scattered throughout and the bath facilities were decently maintained, and as they say “modern” (i.e. flush toilets). However, I was blown away that they only have coin-operated showers available (2 minutes per quarter). This and they really did pack in the 60+ sites plus a “glamping” area in the back for $425-695 (average ~$600) a night…

The tent site campground is reservable by phone at 1-855-391-8683 or online ($85 for Sunday-Thursday, $105 for Friday & Saturday)

While we don’t have one, I know people like to know that dogs are allowed at the campsite on leash (2 per campground).

For me personally the campground only gets 3/5 stars :

Overall, remember that while you have great access to the beauty that Big Sur Coast has to offer and the campground is pet friendly you’re definitely, not really going to get a remote camping experience and there’s a lot lacking for how much you’re paying. The facilities don’t have dish washing areas and while they are nicely cleaned and maintained things like a shower shouldn’t have cost extra…

These rules are copied from their pamphlet.

•        Respect the peacefulness and quiet of the redwoods.

•        QUIET HOURS 10 PM TO 7 AM.

•        No loud noise or loud music at anytime.

•        NO RVS. NO HOOK UPS. NO GENERATORS.

•        All fires must be in fire rings, under control at all times and extinguished before departure.

•        PLEASE DO NOT DEFACE TREES OR STUMPS.

•        Please purchase your firewood in Big Sur. Collecting groundwood is forbidden.

•        No fireworks or fire arms permitted on property.

•        LEAVE NO TRACE on campsites or facilities.

•        Conserve water. Firmly close water taps when not using.

•        Dogs must be quiet, on leash at all times and stay in campsites or roads. Please clean up after your dog. No dogs left unattended.

•        Recycle bins are available for plastic bottles, cans and glass. Please recycle.

•       Maximum five people, one vehicle, two dogs.

Gear Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get the opportunity to test out products and what I got to use during this trip for protecting our food from the wildlife and the elements was RovR’s RollR 60 cooler. While listed as “a 60-quart carrying, all-terrain attacking, patented design that can go anywhere you can. Engineered with the world's best cooling and organization design on the inside and built to carry your campsite, tailgate or party on the out.” It really turned out to be all this plus so much more. We had a really easy time wheeling it around and to our site and it was so much nicer than having to carry a cooler like I’ve done with my other rotomolded brands. Ugh… they get heavy with food and ice in them.

This cooler comes with a lot of really unique features that no other cooler has! Plus many other customization and add-on possibilities. Their coolers come with a folding tote container which is attached to the top with velcro straps so that while wheeling it around it won’t just slide right off. Good thinking there! When not in use this tote folds flat, and fits into an indention on the top thus serving possibly as a slight cushion for sitting.

When in use, the tote is unfolded and becomes an additional dry container for holding extra gear like a stove, pots and pans, paper towels, etc. You can also remove it entirely from the top and placed to the side or move it to a picnic table with all that dry gear you have for cooking or whats not. This “feature” is awesome - it is like having two carrying containers in one.

There are additional fixtures on the cooler which are designed to attached auxiliary items like a cutting board, umbrella or drink holders. There’s even a fixture for attaching an extension that can be attached to a bicycle. Thus, one can pull the cooler behind a bicycle like a trailer. Innovative game changer for those bike campers!

My favorite feature was Inside the cooler there is a special bin that can hold items that may not need to be chilled like bread, towels or utensils. This feature is so important to keep items separate and dry when moisture develops, or the ice starts to melt. The bin itself has an internal divider which further aids with organization. Sometimes you want things right on the ice, but other stuff isn’t going to do as well if you freeze it!! This was an awesome idea.

Overall, I give the cooler 5/5 stars. I really love the company’s innovation to the rotomolded cooler and even our cats approved! Go get ourselves one of these instead of some of those other rotomolded coolers at RovRproducts.com

Cooler’s Features:

•        Certified grizzly bear resistant rotationally molded body and lid with anchor pins for attaching prep station and accessories!!! Yes, please. Especially with all the bear cu

•        Up to 10 days of ice retention depending on use. Umm....need to test this out fully, but it lasted the 4 days i needed it with opening the cooler a few times per day.

•        Capacity: Without Deepfreeze dry bin installed: 60 cans and 20lbs. of ice. With Deepfreeze dry bin installed: 40 cans and 10 pounds of ice in main compartment and 4-6 bottles of spirits upright with meats, breads, fruits and vegies in dry compartments. 

•        High performance wheel assembly: 9-inch all-terrain rubber tires with interchangeable tube, aluminum hubs with 2 sealed bearings 

•        Aluminum pull handle with dual motocross style grips. This is great for pulling the heavy cooler around. Have you tried carrying one of the other brands without wheels?!?! It sucks!! They get really heavy, really fast.